Laccase-assisted dyeing of cotton.

Cotton cellulose was dyed "in situ" with a polymeric dye generated by oxidative coupling of colourless 2,5-diaminobenzenesulfonic acid and 1-hydroxyphenol (catechol) with laccase. Up to 70% dye fixation was obtained increasing the concentration of catechol less soluble upon oxidation from 1 to 10 mmol, while 1 mmol of diamine was used. Dye fixation was not achieved using equal molar concentrations of the reagents.